South Norwood is undergoing a vibrant transformation thanks to a collaborative community effort led by local merchants and residents, stripping away decades of grime to reveal historic stonework and modernizing the commercial district.
Cleaning Historic Stonework and Removing Utility Poles
At the center of the visible improvements is the historic Dean Street railroad bridge, bearing an 1891 date stamp. The bridge’s formerly dingy, discolored granite blocks—along with the stone wall lining Washington Street as it dips under the bridge—are being sandblasted clean by a Wrentham firm, transforming into a bright light gray.
“It looks so bright and so clean. This has never been done,” said Olga A. Abdallah, a South Norwood merchant and member of the South Norwood study committee. “It looks like — sparkles.”
The initiative has been heavily driven by local volunteers and town cooperation:
- Stonework Restoration: Businessman John Shalbey organized a crew of volunteer masons to repair the stonework ahead of sandblasting. Approximately 35 local merchants contributed funds to cover expenses, with not a single approached business refusing to pitch in.
- Utility Pole Removal: Study committee chairman Walter J. Gotovich announced that about 40 percent of the utility poles lining Washington Street on the westerly side will be removed this fall at the telephone company’s expense, with the municipal light department handling the removal.
- Greenery and Infrastructure: Public Works employees planted trees along Washington Street, while Simoni’s Flowers and landscaper Carl Hultman donated ornamental shrubbery and trees to be planted along Boyden Hill (Subway Hill) by the DPW. Earlier additions included new lighting and a jersey barrier walkway at Dean Street, alongside a new mail deposit box and public pay station.
Broad Community Support
Abdallah praised the leadership of Town Manager John J. Carroll and Public Works Superintendent Paul E. Wollenhaupt for their instrumental assistance. As private property owners follow suit by making their own building improvements, enthusiasm continues to build.
“I have never seen a community effort like this,” Abdallah remarked. “It’s a marvelous feeling.” The study committee is inviting interested citizens to attend its next meeting this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall to help sustain the momentum.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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